Why is it so hard?

at your cervix · Dec 29, 2008

It is difficult for new grads to get positions in these areas, just as it is usually difficult for new grads to get positions in the ER or the ICU. My suggestion would be to "do your time" so to speak in a med-surg unit-you may hate it but your experience will be invaluable-you will make a better LD/NICU nurse if you have that experience. Hang in there and don't give up.

In the mean time, while you are working in another area, introduce yourself to the department manager for the unit you want to work in-tell them of your desire to work in their department and ask them what they look for in a candidate for a postion. That way, when a position opens up, they will already have you in mind.

Nishababy23 · Dec 29, 2008

Thanks for your advice...I understand what you are talking about...I just hate to do my time on a Med-Surg floor...but sometimes you have to do what you have to do..

Mom_Nurse · Dec 29, 2008

Hi,

I just wanted to say don't give up. I too did not want to do med/surg regardless of what everyone else told me. Do your year and then transfer.was all I heard. One of my nursing instructors told me that if NICU was what I wanted then I should go for it and I did. I only applied to NICU. I got a position and I loved it. Just keep applying. I know sometimes the teaching facilities will hire new grads to critical care areas. Don't get discouraged.

pink85 · Dec 29, 2008

I have worked l&d nad NICU and have noticed that there is not always a lot of open positions in this area. Nurses get hired and stay there...forever! Hang in there a spot will open up!

dettwiller5 · Dec 29, 2008

I just graduated a couple of weeks ago and have a position in Mother/baby and will start on the 12th of Jan. I was able to get an interview not through human resources but by finding out the name of the nurse manager and contacting her. DOnt give up- it can be done!

JessiD · Dec 29, 2008

Dont give up. I did my practicum in nursing school in L&D, but moved after graduation so I did not have a job in L&D right after graduation. I worked in NICU for about 10 months before transferring to L&D. I talked with the nurse manager of L&D shortly after I was hired at the hospital and I cross trained to their unit. I would occassionally work shifts there when I had low census in NICU or just as an extra shift for OT. Because I was only crosstrained policy stated I was not able to function totally as a L&D nurse, but I cared for patients throughout labor until pushing, recovered pts after deliveries, and acted as baby nurse. That way I became familiar with the unit. When a position because available I quickly made the ransition to that department. I then oriented as a full L&D RN, which didnt take long because I already had been trained to do the majority of things. I dont know if your hospital does crosstraining but it is an excellent option as a way to 'get your foot in the door'. Just make sure you do a good job and are willing to learn things outside of what is expected of you. Ask to be taught additional things even if you arent actually aloud to do them by yourself. And hint about your interest in a transfer every once in a while just to make sure they know you want to do more than just be crosstrained. But the reason why there are rarely any openings is L&D is a calling and once you are there you likely stay for a while. If you truly believe it is your calling keep pursuing it. And if you REALLY want it badly enough, look in surrounding towns. Once you get that experience in it is easier to find positions elsewhere. L&D is very specialized and takes a lot of training so some hospitals dont want to 'waste' the money on trainig a new grad when they can hire someone with experience while others are desperate because of the shortage and can justify the expense.

Jean1313 · Jan 2, 2009

Hi,

I have a similar problem. I became a nurse to be a L&D nurse. Couldn't get the job, or even an interview, out of school. So I did my second favorite, Psych. I was there over a year, then gave in to do med-surg (what everyone always said to do).

The question: How long is enough med-surg time to be considered for L&D?

I realize that I am learning a lot here, but I hate it. I'm thinking of abandoning the dream, and going back to Psych :confused:

Thanks for any advice!!

Jean1313 · Jan 2, 2009

Oh yeah, guess I should mention that now I've been a med-surg RN for a whopping 4 months..

cnm in progress · Jan 2, 2009

Often it is simply a matter of the "mix" of experience on the unit. If the unit is "heavy" on newer nurses, they won't even consider new grads until their mix swings back in the direction of experienced nurses. I work in a large teaching facility, and our unit puts a freeze on new grads all the time, but it's always temporary. My local community hospital has no openings for L & D...ever! Their nurses have been there since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Jean1313 · Jan 3, 2009

Thank you! I am currently working for a HUGE hospital system, with a teaching facility for L&D. In your experience, do you think that they'd consider me with 6 months med-surg exp?

Thanks again!

cnm in progress · Jan 3, 2009

Thank you! I am currently working for a HUGE hospital system, with a teaching facility for L&D. In your experience, do you think that they'd consider me with 6 months med-surg exp?
Thanks again!

I'd suggest that you visit the unit on a weekday and speak directly to one of the unit managers. If you apply through HR, your interest may be overlooked. If you "connect" with someone in person, they'll be likely to remember you when they have an opening. Or you could get the email address of one of the unit managers and email her a copy of your resume, with a note asking if you could tour the unit and talk with her.